Before the adventure begins.

Walt Disney World tickets

Universal ticket

Our story starts towards the beginning of the year when we are looking to go on holiday - we really want to go back to the States again - probably the southern states that we haven't visited yet. Trouble is there are no direct flights to where we want to go - which means a change and a stop-over etc. We continue to look - without any joy.

Andrew has got himself a girlfriend - Stef - and he really wants us to take her on holiday with us. Anita and I discuss this - and agree - but now the stakes are higher - two 17 year olds, and a 15 year old to keep happy. The obvious solution - FLORIDA!

With a little help from Russell, we find a great deal - even allowing us to stay at the Fountains, which we had stayed at last time when we went to Discovery Cove. Adding our tickets in for the Disney Parks and Universal, Seaworld and Wet and Wild, and Busch Gardens - makes the price higher - but a lot cheaper than we were expecting.

So everything is booked, and Stef applies for her passport, she has always been on her parents'. The next few months fly past - and we are approaching the date of departure. I have an idea to give to Anita a new interactivity that Discovery Cove are now doing - "Trainer for the day". It is more expensive than the original package - but there is more to do with the dolphins! I have discussed this with the kids - and they all agree that it is too expensive for us all to do the package - and both have told me that they will help me as I want to swim properly with the dolphins - which I missed out on last time!

Spongebob Squarepants

We decide not to tell Anita before we leave - in fact Lauren has put together a little written presentation for her, which we will give her when we arrive at Discovery Cove on the day! I have told her that we are going to Discovery Cove - but not about her surprise.

One other thing to mention Stef loves Spongebob Squarepants as does our friend Jan, and she can't wait to get her hands on some spongebob goodies. Little did we realise just how much a part Bob was to play on our holiday.

Everything is ready for our big adventure to begin.